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Public Administration Graduate ProgramsOptions That Fit Your Career Goals

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The RN to BSN program requires you to have a valid RN license or to have earned one within your first semester of the program.

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The DNP – Nurse Practitioner program requires you to be licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania, or to be licensed prior to being admitted into the program.

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The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate program requires you to be licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania, or to be licensed prior to being admitted into the program.

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The Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate program requires you to be licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania, or to be licensed prior to being admitted into the program.

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The Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate program requires you to be licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania, or to be licensed prior to being admitted into the program.

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You Are the Difference

A Master of Public Administration (MPA) is the accepted professional credential for those working in the public sector. By earning this degree, you can gain the competencies required to become an effective and in-demand leader with the flexibility to succeed in careers across multiple sectors. Choose from two graduate certificate options or the MPA and take part in specialized courses in sought-after areas of expertise.

Graduates Are in Demand

When it comes to addressing the challenges of your workplace and the communities you serve, you know what works — and what doesn’t. Already specialized in an undergraduate field of study, MPA graduates draw from a wealth of experience from both their careers and education. Graduates often find themselves in high demand for mid- to high-level positions thanks to the specialized skills, informed perspectives, and nuanced understanding of problem-solving gained in an MPA program.

Emerge a Leader

Earning a respected credential that demonstrates your skills and knowledge in public administration can help you stand out among your peers and make you a valuable resource to your organization. The Penn State World Campus public administration portfolio offers graduate-level education opportunities that can help you begin or enhance your career as a leader in public administration.

Enhance your ability to manage effectively and promote positive change in your organization. This NASPAA-accredited online Master of Public Administration (MPA), offered by the Penn State Harrisburg School of Public Affairs, focuses on real-world skills that you can apply to your career immediately.

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Develop the skills needed to plan and manage budgets and financial systems. This online graduate certificate program is a good fit for administrators and financial professionals at government and nonprofit organizations.

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Prepare for mid- and upper-level human resources or employment relations positions in the public and private sectors. This certificate can provide you with core skills in personnel management, labor relations, problem-solving, planning, and management of organizational change and development.

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Do you feel like you could be making more of an impact? Want to broaden the scope of your opportunities? An MPA creates a wealth of opportunities to apply your knowledge and experience to human rights groups, nonprofit medical centers, charitable organizations, schools, public media, and international organizations — to name a few.

Typical Jobs for an MPA Graduate Can Include:

  • accountant/auditor
  • attorney
  • bank officer
  • benefits administrator
  • college administrator
  • consultant
  • criminal justice administrator
  • data analyst
  • health care administrator
  • hospital administrator
  • office manager
  • nonprofit program manager
  • political campaign worker
  • communications specialist
  • social advocate

Designed for Working Adults

Between work, family and friends, self-care, and other obligations, it’s hard to balance your schedule. The Penn State World Campus course experience is fully online and can be completed part-time — from anywhere in the world. You can work on your degree at your own pace without ever worrying that you aren’t showing up. 

Not sure if you can commit to a long-term degree program but still want to boost your career and improve your organization? You can earn up to two certificates in public sector management that can be applied toward a master’s degree at a later date.

Every time I mention to someone that I have my degree from Penn State, I get an enthusiastic reaction. So that definitely makes me feel confident about the program and that I made the right decision. Being a Penn State alum makes me feel like I belong to this huge community that is recognized worldwide. It seems everyone knows of or has heard of Penn State. So just being a part of that makes a big difference for me.
— Joanie Quintanilla, Graduate, Master of Public Administration and graduate certificate

We Are Penn State Online

This is the real Penn State. You will take courses with curriculum developed by the same professors who teach on campus. You can expect the same caliber of academic quality that you associate with Penn State.

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